Infection Preventionist

Infection Preventionist

Job Summary:
Mount Joseph at Waterville is seeking an experienced and skilled Infection Preventionist to join our team. As an exempt staff member, you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing the facility's Infection Prevention and Control Program (IPCP) in accordance with CMS F-880, CDC guidelines, OSHA standards, and state regulations. This is a full-time opportunity for a dedicated and detail-oriented professional.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and update the Infection Prevention and Control Plan annually.

• Conduct ongoing surveillance of infections, including UTIs, pneumonia, wound infections, GI illness, respiratory outbreaks, and MDROs.

• Track and trend infection data monthly and report to the Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) committee.

• Maintain NHSN reporting as applicable.

• Monitor and support the antibiotic stewardship program.

• Conduct daily clinical rounds to identify signs and symptoms of infection.

• Ensure appropriate isolation precautions (standard, contact, droplet).

• Monitor and document outbreak investigations.

• Report communicable diseases per CDC and state guidelines.

• Ensure compliance with CMS, OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens standards, and CDC Infection Prevention Guidelines.

• Audit hand hygiene compliance, PPE use, cleaning and disinfection practices, refrigerator temperature logs, sharps disposal, and biohazard storage.

• Conduct routine environmental rounds with Environmental Services (EVS).

Quality Assurance & QAPI:

• Participate in QAPI meetings.

• Provide infection trend data with analysis.

• Develop corrective action plans for identified infection trends.

• Lead performance improvement projects related to infection reduction.

Collaboration:

• Collaborate with the Medical Director, Director of Nursing, Unit Managers, EVS, Dietary, and Therapy departments.

• Serve as a clinical resource to nursing staff.

Documentation & Record Keeping:

• Maintain infection logs and surveillance reports.

• Prepare documentation for state and federal surveys.

Qualifications:

• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license.

• Minimum 2-3 years long-term care experience preferred.

• Infection Preventionist training preferred.

• Knowledge of CDC guidelines and CMS regulations.

• Strong leadership and teaching skills.

Performance Expectations:

• Maintain infection rates at or below national benchmarks.

• Ensure 100% annual competency compliance.

• Demonstrate regulatory readiness.

• Provide consistent clinical leadership presence on units.